BAGHDAD, Sept 29 (Reuters) - The U.S. military confirmed on Saturday it carried out an air strike in the Doura district of southern Baghdad on Friday, saying it had targeted men firing mortars into a neighbouring area.

"Coalition forces surveillance elements observed a group of men setting up and firing mortars in the Doura neighbourhood of southern Baghdad. After they fired the mortars, the men hid the mortar tube nearby," a U.S. military statement said.

"Responding to this hostile action, coalition forces called for air support and engaged the men."

A senior health official in central Baghdad told Reuters on Friday that seven men were killed in the attack and six wounded.

The U.S. military said it estimated two or three people were killed or wounded but could not give a precise figure as the bodies were removed before troops arrived at the scene.

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